The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a religion where I live. For years, I’ve relied on a factory choke that was “good enough,” but this season, I decided to up my game. I was searching for a choke that would deliver consistently tight patterns with the Winchester Long Beard XR loads, and after a lot of research, the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black kept appearing in forums and reviews.
My old factory choke was giving me inconsistent patterns beyond 30 yards, leading to frustrating misses and wounded birds. It was time for an upgrade. The promise of tighter patterns and longer effective range from the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black, specifically designed for the Long Beard XR ammo, was incredibly appealing.
The choke arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Picking it up, I immediately noticed its solid construction. The Carlsons name was clearly etched, instilling confidence. Compared to my factory choke, it felt noticeably more robust, suggesting a higher quality of steel and machining. I’d been considering a competitor’s choke, but its reputation for needing frequent cleaning steered me toward the Carlsons. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if the performance matched the promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black was at my local shooting range, patterning it with Winchester Long Beard XR #5 shot. The weather was cool and damp, a typical spring morning. Installation was straightforward; it screwed in perfectly to my Benelli Crio barrel without needing excessive force.
The improvement in pattern density was immediately apparent at 40 yards. My factory choke was creating a pattern with noticeable gaps, while the Carlsons choke delivered a significantly tighter and more uniform spread. This was a game changer. There were no hiccups, no failures to eject, and the point of impact was consistent with my point of aim.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season using the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black, I’m impressed with its consistent performance. I’ve put approximately 50 rounds through it, mostly Winchester Long Beard XR, and it continues to deliver tight, even patterns. There’s no noticeable wear and tear, and the black finish still looks new.
Cleaning is easy; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. My previous chokes needed frequent cleaning, which sometimes impacted a hunt, making this choke a real winner. I’ve definitely upped my turkey hunting game since using the choke. It outperforms my old factory choke in both pattern density and range.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio choke system. It’s a 12-gauge choke tube constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. This choke is optimized for Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, enhancing their performance through its constrictive design. The black finish provides corrosion resistance.
The choke is designed to improve pattern density and effective range. This matters because it can mean the difference between a clean kill and a wounded bird, especially at longer distances. Its durable construction ensures longevity and reliability, reducing the risk of damage or failure during a hunt. The optimized constriction ensures consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It vastly improves effective range and pattern density compared to standard chokes. Its strengths lie in its ability to maximize the potential of Long Beard XR loads.
There aren’t any obvious weaknesses; however, it’s important to note that this choke is specifically designed for the Benelli Crio system and performs best with Winchester Long Beard XR loads. Using other loads may not yield the same results. The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black exceeded my expectations by providing consistent and effective patterns at longer ranges than I was previously capable of achieving.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s build quality is excellent. It feels solid and well-made, constructed with durable materials that should withstand the rigors of hunting. The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
There’s no real learning curve; simply screw it in and pattern your shotgun. It’s incredibly user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many seasons. Cleaning is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black does not come with any accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no customizable options directly associated with the choke. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Benelli Crio chokes. While no external accessories are directly related, optimizing your optic setup can further enhance performance at longer ranges.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR loads.
- Significantly increases effective range for turkey hunting.
- Constructed from durable, heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Improves confidence in making clean kills at longer distances.
Cons
- Optimized for Winchester Long Beard XR loads; performance may vary with other ammunition.
- Only compatible with Benelli shotguns featuring the Crio choke system.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black?
The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Benelli shotgun with the Crio choke system and prefer using Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This choke is ideal for those seeking to extend their effective range and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns. Hunters who are not using a Benelli Crio system shotgun should skip this product, as it will not be compatible.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke wrench to ensure proper installation and removal without damaging the choke. Consider upgrading to a red dot sight for enhanced accuracy at longer ranges.
Conclusion on Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters using Benelli Crio shotguns and Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Its performance is impressive, delivering tighter patterns and increased range that can make the difference between success and failure. The price of $49.75 is justified given the performance boost and durable construction.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to optimize their turkey hunting setup. It truly enhances the capabilities of Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition and provides a significant advantage in the field. Get yours today and experience the difference it makes!